2021 All-State Second Team
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The season wrapped up and now we take a look back at the season. Here we spotlight the players that showed great resolve, determination, and discipline in order to be the best version of themselves this season. We have included…
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Continue ReadingThe season wrapped up and now we take a look back at the season. Here we spotlight the players that showed great resolve, determination, and discipline in order to be the best version of themselves this season. We have included offense, defense, and specialist. Also, as you can see the offense and defense will have 12 players plus the offensive and defensive ATHs, this was so that we can fit in extra players.
Congratulations to all players on being named to the 2021 All-State Second Team.
QB:
Zane Flores Zane Flores 6'3" | 190 lbs | QB Gretna | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Gretna | 6’3″ 190 lbs
Season Stats: 2,885 passing yards, 65% completion, 26 touchdowns, 7 interceptions; 74 carries, 216 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns.
Zane was unstoppable this year as he led the Gretna Dragons to their first Class A state title in school history. No matter the situation, Flores remained calm and collected and would find a way to lead his team to victory. This was only his junior year, so it will be interesting to see what Zane has planned as an encore.
RB:
Christian Meneses Christian Meneses 5'11" | 185 lbs | RB Plattsmouth | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Plattsmouth | 5’11″ 185 lbs
Season Stats: 237 carries, 2,054 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns.
Christian capped off his stellar prep career with another HUGE year running the football. Meneses followed up his 1,700-yard and 20 touchdowns from his junior year with a 2,000 yard and 30 touchdown season. Christian is one of the toughest runners in the state, with a great blend of speed, power, and terrific vision. Meneses remains uncommitted and would be a great addition to any team’s backfield.
Riley Grieser Riley Grieser 6'2" | 190 lbs | LB Kearney Catholic | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Kearney Catholic | 6’2″ 190 lbs
Season Stats: 241 carries, 1,702 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns; 13 receptions, 293 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns; 46 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles.
Riley had a big-time breakout season for the Kearney Catholic Stars. Grieser was a tone-setter in the backfield and used his power running to mow down opposing defenses. He was not just a star runner but also had great hands when catching out of the backfield and was a pivotal player in the Star’s linebacker group. Grieser is a uber-tough and physical player that plays both ends very well.
WR:
Grant Guyett Grant Guyett 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Omaha Westside | 6’0″ 190 lbs
Committed: Minnesota State-Mankato
Season Stats: 54 receptions, 834 receiving yards, 17 receiving touchdowns.
This team only featured Nebraska players, however Grant Guyett Grant Guyett 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR Omaha Westside | 2022 State NE ’s hands are world-class. Grant led all 11-man receivers with 17 receiving touchdowns and had great chemistry with the QB, whether Rezac or Brown. Guyett is one of the most polished receivers in the state with a well-developed route tree, great football IQ, and ability to create separation; he will fit in perfectly at a top-tier program like Minn. State Mankato.
Cayden Bluhm Cayden Bluhm 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Bennington | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bennington | 6’1″ 170 lbs
Committed: Wayne State
Season Stats: 43 receptions, 1,013 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns
Even with a 3,000-yard rusher on deck, the Badgers were anything but one-dimensional. Cayden Bluhm Cayden Bluhm 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Bennington | 2022 State NE added an extra dimension to this offense with his tremendous play this season. Bluhm was a serious deep-threat target that could blow past DBs with his straight-line speed, and he could catch a short/intermediate pass and then take it to the house. Bluhm’s 23 yards per catch average is very impressive, and Cayden should continue his highlight playmaking ability at Wayne State.
TE:
Benjamin Brahmer Benjamin Brahmer 6'6" | 210 lbs | TE Pierce | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023 | Pierce | 6’6″ 200 lbs
Committed: Nebraska
Season Stats: 63 receptions, 1,119 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns.
Brahmer and QB Abram Scholting Abram Scholting 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Pierce | 2023 State NE have formed one of the most devastating connections in the state. Brahmer is the “unicorn” of his class because of how unique and versatile he is on the field. He has the size and strength of a tight end with the speed and route-running of a top-tier receiver. After watching Brahmer dominate the opposition, it’s clear why the Huskers were quick to jump on him.
Garrett Oakley Garrett Oakley 6'4" | 205 lbs | TE Columbus Scotus | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Columbus Scotus | 6’4″ 205 lbs
Committed: Kansas State
Season Stats: 35 receptions, 590 yards; 74 tackles, 4 interceptions.
The future K-State Wildcat Garrett Oakley Garrett Oakley 6'4" | 205 lbs | TE Columbus Scotus | 2022 State NE was a mismatch MONSTER. His height and ability to high-point the ball made covering him an absolute nightmare. One thing that stands out about Oakley is how good he is at breaking away from the defense and finding the endzone. He has very underrated speed which also makes him great at covering the whole field on defense. Oakley’s length and athleticism are going to be a problem for Big 12 defenses.
OL:
Tackles:
Gunnar Gottula Gunnar Gottula 6'6" | 270 lbs | OL Lincoln Southeast | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Lincoln Southeast | 6’6″ 270 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Committed: Nebraska
Gunnar continues to look like the bookend tackle prospect that the Huskers worked hard to secure as a sophomore. Gottula is a big, physical lineman that plays non-stop until the whistle. He’s got great size for his position and looks more polished with every game he plays. Gottula is going to be a beast once it’s all said and done, even more so than he is now.
Mason Goldman Mason Goldman 6'6" | 255 lbs | OL Gretna | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Gretna | 6’6″ 230 lbs
Mason was outstanding for Gretna during their championship run as both a tackle and defensive end. Goldman was exceptional in protecting Flores’ blind spot and helped keep a clean pocket for the state’s most accurate passer. He is very quick on his feet and does a good job getting in front of defenders and driving them out of the running lanes.
Guards:
Caleb Jones Caleb Jones 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Beatrice | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Beatrice| 6’4″ 285 lbs
Committed: Minnesota State-Mankato
Trying to get past Caleb Jones Caleb Jones 6'4" | 290 lbs | OL Beatrice | 2022 State NE this season proved to be nearly impossible. Jones only allowed one QB pressure throughout the season and gave up ZERO sacks. Considering the grueling schedule and tough defensive lines this team played, Caleb held firm and pushed back against the opposition. At 6’4″ 285 lbs, he is a big dude with a mean streak that you love to see if you’re an OL coach.
Jake Stier Jake Stier 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Bennington | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bennington | 6’2″ 270 lbs
Committed: Wayne State
Steir was one of the most impressive two-way linemen this season. He used his super-strength to bully defensive and offensive linemen alike. Stier’s presence on offense was a big factor for Bennington’s success. He provided excellent pass protection, was aggressive when running, and was a great leader on a championship squad. Stier will be joining a few of his Badger teammates at Wayne State.
Center:
Ben Reynolds Ben Reynolds 6'0" | 240 lbs | OL Elkhorn | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Elkhorn | 5’10″ 230 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Reynolds. Snaps. Good.
Plain and simple, Reynolds is a very reliable snapper that did very well holding down the center and long snapper positions for the defending Class B champs. While running behind Reynolds and Co., Elkhorn featured one of the best rushing attacks in their class. Ben does a great job staying low and packing lots of power behind his blocks. More teams should start paying attention to Ben!
DL:
Ends:
Maverick Noonan Maverick Noonan 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Elkhorn South | 6’4″ 230 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Season Stats: 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7 sacks.
Few players have the tangible and intangible traits that make Maverick such a beast on the edge. He is fast, strong, crafty, and very smart. After a breakout sophomore year, Noonan further solidified himself as the top edge rusher in the 2023 class. Despite double-teams and schemes running away from his side, Noonan continued to find ways to stay in the fold and cause chaos. He’s a ferocious competitor with Power 5 talent!
Chance Symons Chance Symons 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Scottsbluff | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Scottsbluff | 6’3″ 235 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Season Stats: 48 tackles, 10, tackles for loss, 3 sacks.
Chance is a fiery player that has a non-stop motor for four quarters. He is a dominant end that does a terrific job setting the edge and closing off any running lanes. Offenses respected his abilities as a pass-rusher and preferred to send extra attention his way; regardless, Symons still managed to find his way into the backfield on several occasions. Symons is still available and should continue to be a top-tier DE at the next level.
Tackles:
Caden Camese Caden Camese 6'2" | 280 lbs | DL Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bellevue West | 6’3″ 290 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Committed: Air Force
Season Stats: 51 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, forced fumble.
Air Force-commit Caden Camese Caden Camese 6'2" | 280 lbs | DL Bellevue West | 2022 State NE was a game wrecker for the Thunderbirds. He ate up tons of space in the interior defensive line and could take on a double team with no problem. Caden did especially well when asked to stuff opposing running games. Camese is big and explosive, two elements of a dangerous defensive lineman.
Sam Cappos Sam Cappos 6'1" | 240 lbs | DL Lincoln East | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Lincoln East | 6’1″ 245 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Season Stats: 68 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble, fumble recovery.
Sam was one of the most productive defensive tackles. His 68 tackles are second in Nebraska among true defensive tackles. Cappos is quick off the snap and is very smooth with his ability to slide into the backfield. He does a great job using his leverage and strength to his advantage on both the offensive and defensive line. Cappos is a highly-touted track & field recruit and should begin to start getting serious looks for college football as well.
LB:
Outside:
Ernest Hausmann Ernest Hausmann 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Columbus | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Columbus | 6’2″ 210 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Committed: Nebraska
Season Stats: 80 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 4 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries; 37 receptions, 600 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns.
Another Husker commit that made the All-State team, OLB Ernest Hausmann Ernest Hausmann 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Columbus | 2022 State NE , was a versatile player for the Discoverers. Hausmann’s versatility kept offenses uncomfortable, as he could shoot off the edge on a blitz, or he could drop into coverage. Hausmann provides sideline to sideline coverage and has tons of speed and athleticism to match up against tight ends or receivers. Ernest was also an outstanding receiver with tons of hops and solid hands to play through contact. The Huskers sure have to be glad they kept Hausmann in Nebraska.
Austin Holtz Austin Holtz 5'10" | 150 lbs | LB Bennington | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bennington | 5’10″ 175 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Season Stats: 112 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Holtz was everywhere for the Badger’s defense and provided them with tons of big plays throughout their undefeated season. Austin was one of the top tacklers not just in Class B but in the entire state. Austin was constantly around the football whether he was blowing up a running play in the backfield, snagging one of his 5 interceptions, or forcing one of his 6 forced fumbles, Holtz produced week in and week out. Some team definitely needs to swoop him up soon.
Inside:
Tommy Connelly Tommy Connelly 6'0" | 185 lbs | LB Westside | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Omaha Westside | 6’1″ 195 lbs
Hudl | Twitter
Season Stats: 74 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception.
Connelly has been a reliable and consistent linebacker for Westside during his career. He is an intelligent player that is always in a great position to make a play. Tommy is also very underrated when it comes to getting to the quarterback. He had six sacks and showed that he is good at shedding his blocks and using his quickness to beat linemen. A leader on and off the field, Tommy has embodied the “Warrior” mentality and continued to push the winning culture.
Tristan Kuehler Tristan Kuehler 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB Pierce | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Pierce | 5’10″ 160 lbs
Season Stats: 157 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception.
Tristan was the state’s tackling leader with a whopping 157 tackles… wow! Kuehler plays like a flash of lightning and hits like a truck. He was consistently finding his way to the ball carrier, whether he was making solo tackles or hustling his way over to assist. Kuehler’s stellar play helped make the Bluejays defense one of the stingiest in Class C1.
DB:
Corners:
Carter Washburn Carter Washburn 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Ashland-Greenwood | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Ashland-Greenwood | 5’10″ 170 lbs
Season Stats: 36 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 8 interceptions, a pick-six; 26 receptions, 367 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns.
Interception machine. Carter Washburn Carter Washburn 5'10" | 160 lbs | DB Ashland-Greenwood | 2022 State NE was a monster in coverage and a reason why he AG secondary was such a daunting one to throw against. Washburn is fast and sticky in coverage. He was often able to lull QBs into making bad throws, resulting in one of his 8 interceptions or a batted pass. To add insult to injury, Washburn is a threat to return any interception for a touchdown… he just needs a small crease. Carter was definitely not one to be tested this season.
Luke Greisen Luke Greisen 6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH Lincoln East | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Lincoln East | 6’0″ 180 lbs
Season Stats: 24 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 passes defended, a forced fumble, fumble recovery; 32 receptions, 591 receiving yards, 7 receiving touchdowns.
Luke is a very impressive athlete in the 2022 class. He played a crucial role in the Spartan’s offense and defense. Defensively, he was a very tough cornerback that doesn’t shy away from being left on an island with any receiver. Greisen has the speed and is physical enough to match up well against anyone, and his 4 interceptions and 5 PDs show that he is aggressive at the point of the catch. His 591 yards and 7 touchdowns show that he is no slouch on offense either. Luke is an incredible athlete with a great work ethic and can improve a secondary with his exceptional play.
Safeties:
Isaiah Daniell Isaiah Daniell 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Yutan | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Yutan | 5’11″ 165 lbs
Season Stats: 51 tackles, a tackle for loss, 10 interceptions, 6 passes defended, an interception returned for a touchdown, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery; 9 receptions, 140 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Is there a bigger ball-hawk in the state than Yutan’s Isaiah Daniell Isaiah Daniell 5'11" | 165 lbs | DB Yutan | 2022 State NE ? Isaiah continued his ball-hawking ways during his senior year, in which he intercepted an insane 10 interceptions. Along the way, Daniell tied the single-game interception record with 5 against BRLD. Afterwards, teams must’ve got the hint not to throw his way. He is so fast and smart when in coverage, it is clear that he studies his opponents and knows when to attack in games. And no, this is not a fluke season for Isaiah, as he has 22 picks throughout his 3 seasons as a varsity starter and has established himself as a premier safety.
Caleb Benning Caleb Benning 5'11" | ATH Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE (C/O 2024) | Omaha Westside | 6’0″ 180 lbs
Season Stats: 68 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions; 11 receptions, 175 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns.
The Warriors are building a reputation of developing excellent defensive backs, and sophomore Caleb Benning Caleb Benning 5'11" | ATH Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE seems to be next in line. Benning had a huge breakout season while playing on both ends of the ball. Caleb is a very instinctive, smart, and fast athlete that can flip his hips and change directions in a snap. He has a nose for the football and had no trouble roughing it up with wideouts while making a play for the ball. Caleb is a player that we can expect to see on this list for years to come.
K:
Hunter Brown Hunter Brown 6'2" | 210 lbs | K Bellevue West | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Bellevue West | 6’3″ 210 lbs
Season Stats: 72 of 74 extra points made, 3 of 4 field goals, long of 37
One of the most accurate kickers in the state, Bellevue West’s Hunter Brown Hunter Brown 6'2" | 210 lbs | K Bellevue West | 2022 State NE was a very busy man when it came to extra points. With a high-powered offense like the Thunderbirds have, extra points came at a surplus, and Brown had little problem knocking them down. He is automatic at XP, converting at a 90% rate. Even though Brown only got the chance to attempt 4 field goals, he nailed 3 of those 4 with ease. Overall, Hunter is a great specialist that can punt (4.5 star P) or kick (4 star K) and has spent lots of time honing his craft.
P:
Simon McClannan Simon McClannan 6'0" | 150 lbs | K Millard South | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Millard South | 6’0″ 165 lbs
Season Stats: 22 punts, 910 yards, 41 yards per punt average, 4 inside the 20
Saying McClannan has a big-time leg would be an understatement. Simon is ranked as the #3 kicker and #20 punter in the entire 2023 class. He is deadly accurate and can flip the field to aid his defense. He had one of the best yards per punt average across the state, with an impressive average of 41 y/punt. Simon doesn’t just have the distance, but he can put plenty of hang time under his punts, giving his team ample time to get under it.
KR:
Elliot Jurgens (C/O 2022) | Beatrice | 6’0″ 170 lbs
Season Stats: 5 returns, 293 return yards, 3 return touchdowns; 63 carries, 496 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns; 33 receptions, 680 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns; 27 tackles, tackle for loss, 5 passes defended.
Jurgens is one of the most underrated prospects in the entire senior class. He can produce in every facet of the game. As long as you can get the ball to him, Elliot will reward you heavily. As a returner, there’s a lot to say when out of 5 return attempts, you manage to take 3 punts to the house. His three return touchdowns brought his season total to 17 with his 8 rushing touchdowns and 6 touchdowns through the air. Jurgens’ tough play is a big factor behind Beatrice’s hot start to the season.
PR:
Isaiah McMorris Isaiah McMorris 6'0" | 175 lbs | WR Bellevue West | 2024 State NE (C/O 2024) | Millard North | 6’0″ 170 lbs
Season Stats: 7 returns, 120 yards, 2 return touchdowns, 17.1 avg; 12 KO returns, 247 yards; 1,000 yards of total offense, 14 offensive touchdowns.
McMorris is looking like one of the top playmakers in the sophomore class. He looked like an absolute threat in the return game on kickoff and punts. He is a player who will rack up yards no matter what; you just need to get him some touches. Isaiah’s vision and cutting ability make him very dangerous and force many punters to kick the other way. Look out for this up-and-coming stud!
ATH:
Offensive:
Cole Ballard Cole Ballard 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE (C/O 2023) | Elkhorn South | 6’0″ 185 lbs
Season Stats: 190 carries, 1,207 rushing yards, 118 receiving yards, 23 total touchdowns; 18 tackles.
One of the most exciting backs in the ’23 class, Cole Ballard Cole Ballard 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE , was a huge problem for opposing defenses in 2021. Cole used his athleticism and shiftiness to run rampant on defenses. He hits his lane hard and then turns on the jets to leave everyone in the dust. Ballard was also dangerous when catching out of the backfield and is especially tough to tackle in the open field. He is a very exciting RB to watch run, and you can see how hyped his team gets when he breaks off a big play. Big things are coming for Cole in 2022!
Defensive:
Kytan Fyfe Kytan Fyfe 6'2" | 195 lbs | ATH Grand Island | 2022 State NE (C/O 2022) | Grand Island | 6’2″ 195 lbs
Season Stats: 61 tackles, tackle for loss, an interception; 55% completion rate, 1,589 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions; 141 carries, 752 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns; 7 receptions, 99 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns; 35 punts, 1,331 yards, 38 yards per punt average, 12 inside 20.
Kytan Fyfe Kytan Fyfe 6'2" | 195 lbs | ATH Grand Island | 2022 State NE from Grand Island is like a swiss-army knife that can be used in just about any way you can think of. He was QB1 on offense, where he could make plays with his arm and on the ground. He was a great safety blanket for the defense as he patrolled the deep field and would come up into the box to help in run support. To top it off, he was also one of the top punters in the state regarding punt yards, punt average, and punts inside the 20.